TGT Meets: Bethany Fry

With it being National Apprenticeship Week (8th February) we caught up with one of Total Guide to's newly completed Digital Marketing Apprentice, Bethany Fry, to chat with her all about what it was like to be an apprentice! Here's what she had to say...

Why did you choose an Apprenticeship over university? 

I chose an Apprenticeship over university as I knew it would give me more experience and set me up ready and prepared for the working world. Having studied Media at both GCSE and A Level, I was eager to continue learning more about digital marketing and for me, the best way is simply to throw myself into a role so an apprenticeship was ideal.

How did you decide which Apprenticeship to do? 

I decided to go into digital marketing as I had thoroughly enjoyed studying Media Studies for four years and wanted to take it to the next level. I had learned everything there is to know about marketing in the media so I was ready to put my knowledge into practice. 

What are the benefits of doing an Apprenticeship? 

The greatest benefit of an apprenticeship is that you're learning and earning. In an apprenticeship, you're working as part of a team with your company and earning money as you would be in any normal job - but the difference is that you're going to gain a qualification by the end of it. 

What are you doing to develop within your role and company?

I have been an apprentice with Total Guide to for over three years now and my role has changed and developed immensely from when I first started. Over time, I have taken on more responsibility within the company and the apprenticeship work which runs alongside that has helped me develop further as I have been applying my knowledge to the role.

How do you spend your free time? 

I love photography and this ties in nicely with regular visits to the Lake District and travelling to different European cities as often as I can. I also enjoy dog walking, exploring National Trust properties and spending time with loved ones. 

What’s the hardest part about doing an Apprenticeship?

Having the time to complete the apprenticeship work as well as the work within the role can be a struggle but it's all about finding a good balance and setting aside time to complete everything. 

What has doing an Apprenticeship meant for you as a person? 

Doing an apprenticeship has given me so many incredible opportunities, helped me gain confidence and step out of my comfort zone which will for sure has given me a good start with my career in digital marketing. It has also allowed me to meet and connect with so many new people and given me a good insight to how business works in the area.

What advice would you give someone making the decision to go to university or to do an Apprenticeship? 

Have a good look around at all the options available to you - visit some university open days, find out more online about apprenticeships and see what suits you best. Unless a degree is vital to the industry you aim to be in, going to University isn't the be-all and end all so don't pressurise yourself into it if it isn't for you. Apprenticeships offer you just as many opportunities (if not more!) so just be sure to weigh up your options carefully.  

What’s the one thing you will take away from your apprenticeship once it’s over?

I will take a lot of experience and knowledge away with me which I believe will prove useful to me in the future in the digital marketing sector as well as the qualification and my confidence which has grown significantly since I’ve been an apprentice.